8 Common Dog Fearsand How to Ease Them

Fear of Thunderstorms

Stormy weather can make your dog uneasy for lots of reasons. He couldve been left outside in a thundershower as a puppy, which wouldve been frightening. Or booming thunder and flashes of lightning could scare him. If you suspect noise is the problem, try playing a CD of thunderstorm sounds, says Debbie McKnight, a PetSmart Pet Training expert. Start it at a low level, so he barely hears it and isnt afraid. Then, do something fun, like giving treats or playing, while you gradually increase the volume, says McKnight. To desensitize your dog to lightning, try setting off your cameras flash while a sheets draped over it so the light isnt as intense, suggests Collins. Then, work up to flashes without anything obstructing the light. Finally, combine the thunderstorm sounds and flashing lights, starting with low volume and obscured light. But these tactics wont work if thunder and lightning arent the only problems. Changes in barometric pressure, which predict a storm is coming, can set off your dog, says McKnight. In that case, focus on helping your dog relax. Try a pheromone collar, which gives off a synthetic form of a pooch-appeasing pheromone mother dogs secrete, or a new item called the Thundershirt, which swaddles your dog so he feels more secure. Those tools will at least make thunderstorms more tolerable, says McKnight.

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